Page 75 of Ruthless Vows

Me: I’m really sorry. I miss you.

I have so much more to say to him, but those few words are enough until I can see his face and tell him everything he deserves to hear.

After sending the text, I swipe through my phone until my eyes land on the headline news that broke out earlier this morning in the fashion industry. Hans Murray exposed for stealing designs and unethical behavior with employees. There’s a bright smile on my face as I take in the article, reading it for the third time.

After everything that’s happened with Ivan, I needed a distraction. And I couldn’t think of anything better than finally bringing Hans down. Thankfully, despite my leaving the industry, I still have a lot of connections and they were all too willing to help me. I managed to get evidence that he had been copying the work of an up-and-coming designer and the rest was easy. All I had to do was get the news to a reporter who isn’t interested in sucking up to the Murrays.

Since the article was released earlier today, a lot of women have stepped forward with stories of their own. And proof of his harassment. I have no doubt he’ll face criminal charges for his actions, which is all I need. I feel validated and relieved that at least he won’t be able to do that to another woman.

Some of my former co-workers reached out to me when the news broke, saying they always believed in me. I laughed out loud when Simone sent me a text asking me to return because the company hasn’t been the same without me.

I would never go back there. I worked my ass off for that company and they didn’t hesitate to drop me when it suited them. I know what I’m worth and they definitely don’t deserve me.

Right now, the only thing, the only person I can think about is Ivan. Because I’m not going to give up on him. I can’t. Not when I still want him so much I can barely breathe in his absence.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything else?” Mona asks gently, running her hand through my hair.

I look up at the old woman with a grateful smile. I’ve known Mona since I was born. In some ways, she reminds me of the mother I never got to know. She took care of Aurora and me after our mother passed away, but we lost contact when we left. I felt bad back then and I missed her a lot.

I’m glad she’s still okay and healthy.

“No, I’m fine, Mona. Thanks,” I assure her.

She stares disappointedly at the small portion of eggs and toast on my plate. Everyone else at the table has bacon and eggs and sausages.

“One of these days I’ll get you to eat more,cara,” she tells me.

“She’s a lost cause, Mona. Trust me,” Aurora says, shaking her head.

I smile up at Mona, who simply sighs.

“Thanks for breakfast, Mona. You’re the best,” Adrian says because of course he’s already here.

It’s nine in the morning and I know for a fact he went home last night, but he’s back again. At this point he should just move in because I swear he lives here now.

“You’re welcome, Adrian,” Mona says warmly.

Nico, Aurora, and I also tell her murmured thanks and then she’s leaving us alone to eat our meals. It’s silent, each of uspreoccupied with our own thoughts, except my sister and her husband who occasionally whisper something to each other.

I pick up my phone, scrolling through some sites when my jaw drops. I nearly choke on the piece of bread I’m chewing.

“Holy shit,” I gasp.

Adrian, who’s across from me, arches an eyebrow. “What is it?”

I read what’s on my screen over and over, unable to believe the words.

“What’s going on?” Adrian asks again.

When I still don’t reply, he gets up and rounds the table to grab my phone and check it out himself. I think I’m in shock.

“What’s wrong?” Aurora asks worriedly.

Adrian chuckles darkly. “It would seem someone got to that bastard, Hans Murray. It says here he was murdered in his home last night. Whoever did it must have been pissed because he was also tortured. Serves him right.”

I’m looking at Nico immediately.

“Was it you?” I ask my brother-in-law.

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